Plan To Revitalise Cruise Hire
Fáilte Ireland has published a study to rejuvenate and sustainably develop the cruise-hire sector in Ireland. The “Feasibility Study on the Future Development and Greening of the Cruise Hire Sector” aims to support the sector to transition towards more sustainable practices and enhance the visitor experiences along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway up to 2033.
Developed in collaboration with Waterways Ireland, the Irish Boat Rental Association and Local Authorities along the navigation, the study outlines a roadmap for the sector's development up to 2033, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Government's Climate Action Plan 2021.
A key recommendation from the study is to transition cruise-hire fleets away from diesel to engines powered by electricity or hydrogen. Some early adopters in this area have already successfully transitioned from diesel to hydronated vegetable oil this year, a practice that is being positively viewed by the wider sector.
The roadmap also recommends adopting eco-friendly practices and infrastructure improvements to minimise environmental impact; expanding and enhancing existing marinas to meet increasing demand; enhancing customer experience through the development of interactive maps; and fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders for successful implementation.
Fáilte Ireland brought key stakeholders together in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, for the inaugural meeting of an Implementation Group to discuss the execution of the plan.
Paul Keeley, director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, said:
“This first meeting marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable future for the cruise-hire sector. Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of tourism across the country, and the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway is a key asset in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. It’s important that we look for every opportunity to innovate, improve and enhance our tourism offering across the region, to attract both domestic and international visitors.”
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